It is the silly season, and, thanks to Eddie Jones, we at least have something to talk about.
But in the silly season, we Roarers get the chance to throw in a few left field articles that the “real journos” usually won’t touch (at least until they start writing their memoirs, or ghost writing a player’s autobiography).
So this is a little essay on the “grassroots”.
I’m happy to say that I am now back with my club, Brothers, Brisbane (after another bout of that Covid mongrel), observing pre-season. And may I say, the lads are looking very sharp.
(If any of you old heads are thinking about turning up for pre-season, now would be a good time).
So this year, as with last season, I have put my hand up to be the assistant fifth grade manager, to back up my good mate, Stumpy.
What it means is that 5th and 6ths are really one big squad and we rely on the older heads to turn up and make up the numbers. We’ve got some pretty impressive Rugby CVs amongst the old heads and when they run on, they are great for the younger blokes.
Sometimes they run back off soon after, buy they always give 100 percent.
It means, for example, we all head out to rainy Ipswich on a Friday night to play a 6th grade game with uncontested scrums, because they are mainly leaguies, who don’t like scrums, or it means that we turn up at crack-o-sparrow-fart on Saturday mornings at various clubs for the mighty 5ths (and a few of the older lads from the previous night, standing by just in case)… and it usually means another great day of rugby because there is no such thing as a bad day at your club.
At our home games, the Butchery is the place to be and a great Saturday arvo will always be had. I am sure that every other club boasts the same great experiences for its members.
GPS has the Gallopers and the Glue Factory – now there’s a good day out.
What it really means is that we are a united group from 3rds down to 6ths, with the likes of JD, Bonkers, Nikko, Lollie, Mike, Stumpy, Jon, Terry, Dan, Brendan, Matt, Liam, JB, Damien, Glen,Josh, and Leo …… and we are getting set for another great season.
What is also means is that, no matter how hard your work week might get, a Saturday at the footy is what restores your equilibrium.
There is nothing like Saturday at your Rugby club, with a lot of like minded people, when you watch the boys go round in all the grades, reflect on what your body will no longer let you do, wear the uniform and be part of a special brotherhood.
Everyone who is thus involved, knows what I mean. I have had the privilege to be involved with great clubs in Norths in Sydney, Easts & Marist, in Canberra and now the Brethren in Brisbane – hopefully my last and lasting, and the journey has been brilliant. I still hold those clubs close in my heart and follow them closely every season.
If people want to talk about improving the grassroots, then don’t just pay lip service, get down to your local rugby club and put your hand up. There are never enough volunteers and you will be welcomed.
If you just turn up as a spectator, on Saturday, you will never get that involved, but if you put your hand up and are prepared to turn up for training and games, you will soon be welcomed into the inner circle, even if you are a complete stranger.
Remember, a friend is just someone you haven’t met yet, and if you know even a little bit about rugby you are welcome.
Even if it’s only turning up on Saturday for ground setup, or sausage sizzling, or raffle selling, there is a place for you.
The players love it when they see that there are older heads who are prepared to make their rugby journey a bit easier.
That’s how we develop grassroots rugby.
It doesn’t matter whether you are involved with a premier club, a subbies club, womens’ rugby, juniors or school – your participation in whatever capacity you feel comfortable with, is always welcome.
If we want to be a part of the debate, we don’t just want to be paying lip service to it. Get onboard.
Sterling
Guest
Peeeko, There's a lot of people in this forum that won't like hearing any suggestion that QLD & NSW Premier Rugby isn't grassroots, amateur or simply "Club Rugby". When in practice it is, via policy and structure, semi-professional.
peeeko
Roar Guru
isnt a root where it all starts? a shute shield club is not therefore grass roots, just a lower division
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
TBH Gatesy, we would be very lucky to see any politician of quality coming out of QLD, 7 that also includes Local, State & Federal.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Good read Gatesy, as this is really needed, in support of our game here, in Australia.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Supportive, helping, & the development of our youth starting off in our game. Handing out direction, amongst those in age group, who are in need of it, peeeko.
The Ferret
Roar Rookie
Grassroots is the club game in every city and town across every state. these are the big clubs in the Hospital cup and Shute Sheild all the way down to subbies. Some clubs just have juniors, some clubs just have adults. All support the amateur game and hope to grow the next generation of supper star to play for the wallabies.
gatesy
Roar Guru
I coached under 9's and under 10's at Marist Canberra. We had our training runs on Friday after school, on the basis that they might still remember what they had learned come game time on Saturday morning. What a hoot, loved coaching those guys.
Don
Roar Rookie
Our SR players take every opportunity to play for the club. Brad Thorn also sent almost all the Reds back to club Rugby last season for a round when they had 2 weeks off. Plenty of the recently retired players as well as older retired players coach, manage and volunteer at our club. Spending time in the can bar on a Saturday arvo after doing a shift helping to set up or holding the tackle bags etc is often like an old boys and school reunion rolled into one. You don't have to be drinking to have a good time there. Like a Men's Shed with beers where we can reconnect and check on each other. Gatesy's experience is much like my own, although work travel prevents me from taking on a team role. Always happy to lend a hand on game days - hell, we are going there anyway, just get there earlier. And just a few weeks ago there was a bit of chat that some work was needed around the field, word got around and 20 blokes turned up and 3 were current Reds players.
Adsa
Roar Rookie
Well done Oz, as an extremely poor rugby player I just spent 6 years coaching my sons rugby team. He finished last year, it was something I can look at with pride. Supporting the club, my community and sharing father son moments ("I don't care, get up and back in the line and smash him when he gets the ball")
Adsa
Roar Rookie
The best games I watched last year Gatesy were at the Sports park seeing the Whitsunday Raiders play. No video replays, stuffing around with water breaks, less kicking and lots of running rugby. Beers are cheap and cold and they do a good burger.
Mungbean74
Roar Rookie
Here in Miyazaki it’s fully grassroots! It’s very voluntary based systems and I’m pretty sure it’s like that throughout Japan. Yesterday it was 4 degrees first thing, I and some other coaches were given cups of coffee at my daughters 7’s carnival by one the dad’s who had brought his own picnic setup for the day. It’s gestures like that, that helps make a good bond with all involved. It’s was a great weekend!
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Great read, Gatesy. Thanks. I am coaching my daughter's rugby team at the moment and it's giving me huge pleasure to work with some fine blokes to mould these kids into rugby players. She's the only girl with 15 boys this year and I'm very proud of her stickability. She has no idea just how rubbish a rugby player I was and loves the time we get together on Sunday mornings. It also makes our visits to Brentford Community Stadium to watch the local pros, London Irish, all the more pleasurable. There is clearly a direct link from the local amateurs and the professional game
gatesy
Roar Guru
...and may it never change - every year we repatriate the field, but towards the business end of the season, she gets a bit rough. Lets' not forget that the whole of Crosby Park and the tract through to the Albion Park dog track, including Alan Border field, was used as a dumping ground by the US military at the end of WW2 and was, basically, lower than the level of the Brisbane River. That 32 ha is now one of the sporting precincts for the Olympics, which has the practical effect that Auntie Anastasia and her cohort have put everything on hold, including the whole Brothers Rugby Club development, while they try to figure out the whole Olympics configuration. Gotta love those pollies.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
You won’t find much better than a grass root ! Sorry !
peeeko
Roar Guru
What is grassroots? is it junior clubs or just lower divisions?
scrum
Roar Rookie
Great post except!!!! Supporting the “Filth”. I still have head scars from my visits to Crosby Park
scrum
Roar Rookie
You are out of touch. SR players have been more involved in club rugby than they were a decade ago. And from my observations Club rugby is better supported than it has been for a long time.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
What an inaccurate comment. Both Twas and Geoff do not detest grass roots rugby at all.
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
You're keen in this weather. I'd volunteer to stock the ice troughs in the bar. I do wonder about the comment of "If you just turn up as a spectator" - someone has to buy the beers and burgers and keep the coffers full - and for many clubs spectators turning up is more than welcome enough as more often they're scrounging for funds than well meaning individuals. Club Rugby is a decent Saturday afternoon / evening though and can be a nice warmup to The Reds when they play Saturday nights. Kudos also to all the Mums and Dads that keep it running at juniors level (mostly mums) because the clubs would be struggling without them.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Great stuff Gatesy. Took me back. Well done.